Will Robotic Baristas Be the New Normal?

Restaurants have integrated digital elements for several years now. Between interactive ordering kiosks or delivery service apps, the ordering and dining experience has become continually less personal.

The kitchen has always been technologically advanced, and now customers are getting a firsthand look. Futurist and LinkedIn Top Voice on Tech Cathy Hackl shared this video explaining how people at Cafe X in San Francisco, California can receive a robot-made cup of coffee today.

Customers can order their drinks on the Cafe X app on their smartphone or do so in-store on a digital touchscreen. According to Hackl, the robotic barista serves close to 300 cups of coffee each day and Cafe X has since expanded to several more locations across California. The coffee shop opened in January 2017.

You can see Hackl’s full commentary on the experience here.

For the latest hospitality news, head to our industry page! You can also follow us on Twitter @HospitalityMKSL. Be sure to join the conversation in our Market Leaders LinkedIn group here!

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

AI in sterile processing
AI in Sterile Processing Is Proving Its Value by Acting as a Co-Pilot, Not a Replacement
February 5, 2026

Sterile processing departments are dealing with persistent operational pressures. Surgical case volumes are rising, instruments are more complex, and staffing shortages remain across many health systems. Accuracy and documentation requirements continue to tighten, leaving little room for error. In busy hospitals, sterile processing teams may handle 10,000 to 30,000 surgical instruments per day, with…

Read More
IC-SAT100
Meet IC-SAT100, a Satellite PTT Radio Built for the World’s Most Demanding Environments
February 5, 2026

Let’s have a look at Icom’s IC-SAT100, a satellite Push-To-Talk radio designed for moments when ordinary communication just isn’t an option. Powered by the Iridium satellite network, this rugged handheld delivers instant one-to-many communication at the push of a button—no cell towers or ground infrastructure required. Built to thrive in harsh environments, it’s waterproof,…

Read More
IP110H
From Hospitals to Warehouses, the IP110H Keeps Your Team in Sync
February 5, 2026

Icom’s IP110H is a compact, license-free WLAN radio built to keep teams talking—clearly and instantly—over an existing wireless network. Designed for environments like hospitals, hotels, warehouses, and tunnels, it delivers real-time, full-duplex voice using Icom’s advanced IP radio system. From Bluetooth capability to USB-C charging and a sleek, pocket-friendly design, the IP110H feels modern,…

Read More
IP501H
The IP501H Brings Effortless, Wide-Area Communication to Your Team
February 4, 2026

Meet Icom’s IP501H, a cellular two-way radio built for instant wide-area communication over LTE (4G) and 3G networks. It works just like a traditional radio—supporting individual, group, and all-call conversations—without the need for repeaters or a dedicated IP network. With everything included in the box, the IP501H is designed for quick setup and fast…

Read More